Stearyl and lauryl dimoniumhydroxy alkyl polyglucosides for enhanced food soil removal

ABSTRACT

A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting of stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides chloride and lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosides chloride, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 15/175,695 filedJun. 7, 2016, which is Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.14/501,909 filed Sep. 30, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,382,505 issued onJul. 5, 2016, which is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.13/331,990 filed Dec. 20, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,877,703 issued onNov. 4, 2014, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No.12/887,716 filed Sep. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,389,457 issued onMar. 5, 2013, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hard surface cleaningcompositions. In particular, the invention relates to a hard surfacecleaning composition including specific quaternary functionalized alkylpolyglucosides.

BACKGROUND

Conventional detergents used in the ware washing and launderingindustries, particularly those intended for institutional use, generallycontain alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs). APEs are used in detergents asa cleanser and a degreaser for their effectiveness at removing soilscontaining grease from a variety of surfaces. Commonly used APEs includenonyl phenol ethoxylates (NPE) surfactants.

However, while effective, APEs are disfavored due to environmentalconcerns. For example, NPEs are formed through the combination ofethylene oxide with nonylphenol (NP). Both NP and NPEs exhibitestrogen-like properties and may contaminate water, vegetation andmarine life. NPE is also not readily biodegradable and remains in theenvironment or food chain for indefinite time periods. There istherefore a need in the art for an environmentally friendly andbiodegradable alternative that can replace APEs in hard surfacecleaners.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a hard surface cleaning compositionincluding an environmentally friendly surfactant derived from renewablebio-based resources that works at least as well as NPE. In oneembodiment, the present invention is a cleaning composition includingspecific quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosides, stearyl andlauryl dimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides a water conditioningagent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. The quaternaryfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside is a primarily C₁₂ quaternaryfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside including a degree of polymerizationof 1.8 and 1.0 and an alkyl polyglucoside blend which includesalkylpolyglucosides ranging from C₈ to C₁₆, but which includes primarilyC₁₂ alkyl polyglucosides and a degree of polymerization of 1.0. Thecleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of removingsoils from a surface. The method includes diluting a cleaner with waterof dilution to form a use solution and contacting the surface with theuse solution. In one embodiment, the cleaner includes a quaternaryfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside, an acid source, a solvent, a waterconditioning agent, and water. The quaternary functionalized alkylpolyglucoside includes one of a primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalizedalkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting ofstearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides chloride,lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides chloride, andlauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosides chloride. The use solution iscapable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddetailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the concentration and percent of red soilremoval for Representative compositions 1-3 with Suga® Quat S 1210 at18% and 13.5% and Suga® Quat S 1218 at 9% actives with ComparativeExample 1 a nonfunctionalized Cm alkyl polyglucoside and the controlSuper Excellent.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the concentration and percent of red soilremoval for Representative compositions 4-7 with Suga® Quat L 8610 at18%, 13.5%, 9%, 4.5%, compared with Comparative Example 2 (Suga® Quat L8610 at 1.8% actives) and compared with the control Super Excellent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions usedherein are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about”.

As used herein, weight percent (wt-%), percent by weight, % by weight,and the like are synonyms that refer to the concentration of a substanceas the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of thecomposition and multiplied by 100.

As used herein, the term “about” modifying the quantity of an ingredientin the compositions of the invention or employed in the methods of theinvention refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur,for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling proceduresused for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; throughinadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in themanufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make thecompositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term about alsoencompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditionsfor a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whetheror not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents tothe quantities.

The term “alkyl” refers to a straight or branched chain monovalenthydrocarbon radical having a specified number of carbon atoms. Alkylgroups may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do notinterfere with the specified function of the composition and may besubstituted once or twice with the same or different group. Substituentsmay include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino,nitro, carboxy, carbanyl, carbanyloxy, cyano, methylsulfonylamino, orhalogen, for example. Examples of “alkyl” include, but are not limitedto, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl,n-pentyl, n-hexyl, 3-methylpentyl, and the like.

The term “surfactant” or “surface active agent” refers to an organicchemical that when added to a liquid changes the properties of thatliquid at a surface.

“Cleaning” means to perform or aid in soil removal, bleaching, microbialpopulation reduction, rinsing, or combination thereof.

As used herein, the term “substantially free” refers to compositionscompletely lacking the component or having such a small amount of thecomponent that the component does not affect the effectiveness of thecomposition. The component may be present as an impurity or as acontaminant and shall be less than 0.5 wt. %. In another embodiment, theamount of the component is less than 0.1 wt. % and in yet anotherembodiment, the amount of component is less than 0.01 wt. %.

As used herein, the term “ware” includes items such as eating andcooking utensils. As used herein, the term “ware washing” refers towashing, cleaning, or rinsing ware.

As used herein, the term “hard surface” includes showers, sinks,toilets, bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, transportationvehicles, floors, and the like. These surfaces can be those typified as“hard surfaces” (such as walls, floors, bed-pans)

As used herein, a solid cleaning composition refers to a cleaningcomposition in the form of a solid such as a powder, a particle, anagglomerate, a flake, a granule, a pellet, a tablet, a lozenge, a puck,a briquette, a brick, a solid block, a unit dose, or another solid formknown to those of skill in the art. The term “solid” refers to the stateof the detergent composition under the expected conditions of storageand use of the solid detergent composition. In general, it is expectedthat the detergent composition will remain in solid form when exposed totemperatures of up to about 100° F. and greater than about 120° F. Acast, pressed, or extruded “solid” may take any form including a block.When referring to a cast, pressed, or extruded solid it is meant thatthe hardened composition will not flow perceptibly and willsubstantially retain its shape under moderate stress or pressure or meregravity, as for example, the shape of a mold when removed from the mold,the shape of an article as formed upon extrusion from an extruder, andthe like. The degree of hardness of the solid cast composition can rangefrom that of a fused solid block, which is relatively dense and hard,for example, like concrete, to a consistency characterized as beingmalleable and sponge-like, similar to caulking material.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture oftwo or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” isgenerally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

The term “actives” or “percent actives” or “percent by weight actives”or “actives concentration” are used interchangeably herein and refers tothe concentration of those ingredients involved in cleaning expressed asa percentage minus inert ingredients such as water or salts.

As used herein, the terms “alkyl phenol ethoxylate free” or “NPE-free”refers to a composition, mixture, or ingredients that do not containalkyl phenol ethoxylates or phenol-containing compounds or to which thesame has not been added. Should alkyl phenol ethoxylates or—alkyl phenolethoxylate containing compound be present through contamination of acomposition, mixture, or ingredients, the amount of the same shall beless than 0.5 wt. %. In another embodiment, the amount of is less than0.1 wt. % and in yet another embodiment, the amount is less than 0.01wt. %.

The term “substantially similar cleaning performance” refers generallyto achievement by a substitute cleaning product or substitute cleaningsystem of generally the same degree (or at least not a significantlylesser degree) of cleanliness or with generally the same expenditure (orat least not a significantly lesser expenditure) of effort, or both,when using the substitute cleaning product or substitute cleaning systemrather than a alkyl phenol ethoxylate-containing cleaning to address atypical soiling condition on a typical substrate. This degree ofcleanliness may, depending on the particular cleaning product andparticular substrate, correspond to a general absence of visible soils,or to some lesser degree of cleanliness, as explained in the priorparagraph.

Unless otherwise specified, all formulations reported herein are at 18%actives level.

Quaternary Functionalized Alkyl Polyglucoside Containing Compositionsand Methods Employing Them

The present invention relates to hard surface cleaning compositions andmethods of using the cleaning compositions for cleaning and removingorganic soils from a surface. In particular, the cleaning composition iseffective at removing soils including proteins, lard and oils fromvarious surfaces. For example, the cleaning composition is effective atremoving soils containing up to about 20% protein. The quaternaryfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside includes one of a primarily C₁₂quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, preferably at 1.8 and 1.0degree of polymerization, or a C₈ to C₁₆ distribution of quaternaryalkyl polyglucoside with a majority of C₁₂. The quaternaryfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside component is also a bio-basedsurfactant, manufactured using renewable carbon and is thus analternative to synthetic oil based surfactants. In one embodiment, thecleaning compositions are substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates(APES) such as nonyl phenol ethoxylates (NPEs). Thus, the cleaningcompositions provide a green, readily biodegradeable replacement forconventional detergent surfactants. The cleaning compositions can beused in various industries, including, but not limited to: manual andautomatic ware washing, food and beverage, vehicle care, quick servicerestaurants and textile care. In particular, the cleaning compositionscan be used in hard-surface cleaning applications, including, forexample: bathroom surfaces, dishwashing equipment, food and beverageequipment, vehicles and tabletops. The cleaning compositions can also beused in laundering applications.

In one embodiment, the cleaning composition includes a quaternaryfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent, an acidsource and water. The cleaning compositions of the invention alsoinclude the benefit of no required co-surfactant to achieving cleaningat levels that are at least equivalent to and often superior to NPE. Thecleaning composition, may optionally include a co-surfactant.

The quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside is a cationicsurfactant naturally derived from alkyl polyglucosides and has a sugarbackbone. Quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosides have thefollowing representative formula:

Wherein R₁ is an alkyl group having from about 8 to about 22 carbonatoms, and R₂ is CH₃(CH₂)_(n′) where n′ is an integer ranging from 0-21.Examples of suitable quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosidescomponents which can be used in the cleaning compositions according tothe present invention include those in which the R₁ alkyl moietycontains primarily about 12 carbon atoms, the R₂ group is CH₃ and n isthe degree of polymerization of 1-2. Examples of commercially suitablequaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosides useful in cleaningcompositions of the present invention include but is not limited to:Suga® Quat S 1210 stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosideschloride, (primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside),and Suga® Quat L 8610 lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosideschloride (primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosidewith a distribution including C₈ to C₁₆) and Suga® Quat S1218stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides chloride (primarily C₁₂quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside) available from ColonialChemical, Inc., located in South Pittsburgh, Tenn. Applicants havesurprisingly found that the cationic functionalized alkyl polyglucosidecompounds, known primarily for their use in personal care products, whenselected with a carbon chain length of 12, work in cleaning compositionsfor cleaning food soils, including up to 20% protein.

The water conditioning agent aids in removing metal compounds and inreducing harmful effects of hardness components in service water.Exemplary water conditioning agents include chelating agents,sequestering agents and inhibitors. Polyvalent metal cations orcompounds such as a calcium, a magnesium, an iron, a manganese, amolybdenum, etc. cation or compound, or mixtures thereof, can be presentin service water and in complex soils. Such compounds or cations caninterfere with the effectiveness of a washing or rinsing compositionsduring a cleaning application. A water conditioning agent caneffectively complex and remove such compounds or cations from soiledsurfaces and can reduce or eliminate the inappropriate interaction withactive ingredients including the nonionic surfactants and anionicsurfactants of the invention. Both organic and inorganic waterconditioning agents are common and can be used. Inorganic waterconditioning agents include such compounds as sodium tripolyphosphateand other higher linear and cyclic polyphosphates species. Organic waterconditioning agents include both polymeric and small molecule waterconditioning agents. Organic small molecule water conditioning agentsare typically organocarboxylate compounds or organophosphate waterconditioning agents. Polymeric inhibitors commonly comprise polyanioniccompositions such as polyacrylic acid compounds. Small molecule organicwater conditioning agents include, but are not limited to: sodiumgluconate, sodium glucoheptonate, N-hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid(HEDTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid(NTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA),ethylenediaminetetraproprionic acid, triethylenetetraaminehexaaceticacid (TTHA), and the respective alkali metal, ammonium and substitutedammonium salts thereof, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt(EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium salt (NTA), ethanoldiglycinedisodium salt (EDG), diethanolglycine sodium-salt (DEG), and1,3-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA), dicarboxymethyl glutamicacid tetrasodium salt (GLDA), methylglycine-N—N-diacetic acid trisodiumsalt (MGDA), and iminodisuccinate sodium salt (IDS). All of these areknown and commercially available.

The acid source functions to neutralize the water conditioning agent.Generally, any acid may be used in the composition, but inorganic acidsare preferred. Organic acids useful in accordance with the inventioninclude hydroxyacetic (glycolic) acid, citric acid, tartaric acid,lactic acid, ascorbic acid, gallic acid, formic acid, acetic acid,propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, gluconic acid,itaconic acid, trichloroacetic acid, urea sulfate, and benzoic acid,among others. Organic dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonicacid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, adipicacid, and terephthalic acid among others are also useful in accordancewith the invention. Any combination of these organic acids may also beused intermixed or with other organic acids which allow adequateformation of the pre-soak composition of the invention. Inorganic acidsor mineral acids useful in accordance with the invention and arepreferred, these include phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid,methylsulfamic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrofluoricacid, and nitric acid among others. These acids may also be used incombination with other inorganic acids or with those organic acidsmentioned above. An acid generator may also be used in the compositionto form a suitable acid. For example, suitable generators includecalcium phosphate, potassium fluoride, sodium fluoride, lithiumfluoride, ammonium fluoride, ammonium bifluoride, sodium silicofluoride,etc. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the acid is preferably selected from the group consisting ofcitric, tartaric, lactic, ascorbic, gallic, and glycolic acid.

An example of a suitable acid source includes, but is not limited to,phosphoric acid. The acid source controls the pH of the resultingsolution when water is added to the cleaning composition to form a usesolution. The pH of the use solution must be maintained in the neutralto slightly alkaline range in order to provide sufficient detergencyproperties. This is possible because the soil removal properties of thecleaning composition are primarily due to the quaternary functionalizedalkyl polyglucoside, rather than the alkalinity of the cleaningcomposition. In one embodiment, the pH of the use solution is betweenapproximately 6.5 and approximately 10. In particular, the pH of the usesolution is between approximately 8 and approximately 9. If the pH ofthe use solution is too low, for example, below approximately 6, the usesolution may not provide adequate detergency properties. If the pH ofthe use solution is too high, for example, above approximately 11, theuse solution may be too alkaline and attack or damage the surface to becleaned.

A solvent is often times useful in cleaning compositions to enhance soilremoval properties. The cleaning compositions of the invention mayinclude a solvent to adjust the viscosity of the final composition. Theintended final use of the composition may determine whether or not asolvent is included in the cleaning composition. If a solvent isincluded in the cleaning composition, it is usually a low cost solventsuch as isopropyl alcohol. A solvent may or may not be included toimprove soil removal, handleability or ease of use of the compositionsof the invention. Suitable solvents useful in removing hydrophobic soilsinclude, but are not limited to: oxygenated solvents such as loweralkanols, lower alkyl ethers, glycols, aryl glycol ethers and loweralkyl glycol ethers. Examples of other solvents include, but are notlimited to: methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and butanol,isobutanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, mixed ethylene-propylene glycolethers, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, and propylene glycol phenyl ether.Substantially water soluble glycol ether solvents include, not are notlimited to: propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol propylether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methylether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether,diethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethyleneglycol propyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycolmethyl ether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol butylether and the like.

The cleaning composition also includes water. It should be appreciatedthat the water may be provided as deionized water or as softened water.The water provided as part of the concentrate can be relatively free ofhardness. It is expected that the water can be deionized to remove aportion of the dissolved solids. That is, the concentrate can beformulated with water that includes dissolved solids, and can beformulated with water that can be characterized as hard water.

In concentrate form the cleaning composition includes a replacement ofNPE at 1:1 at the actives level. The cleaning compositions at about 18%activity include between about 40 wt. % and about 80 wt. % quaternaryfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside component, between about 0 wt % andabout 12 wt. % optional co-surfactant, between about 3 wt. % and about18 wt. % water conditioning agent, between about 0.1 wt. % and about0.55 wt. % acid source, between about 0 wt % and about 10 wt. % solventand between about 10 wt. % and about 60 wt. % water. Particularly, thecleaning compositions include between about 45 wt. % and about 75 wt. %quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside component, between about 0wt. % and about 10 wt. % optional co-surfactant, between about 5 wt. %and about 15 wt. % water conditioning agent, between about 0.3 wt. % andabout 0.5 wt. % acid source, between about 0 and about 6 wt. % solventand between about 15 wt. % and about 50 wt. % water. More particularly,the cleaning compositions include between about 50 wt. % and about 70wt. % quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, if aco-surfactant is used, then between about 7 wt. % and about 10 wt. %co-surfactant, between about 5 wt. % and about 10 wt. % waterconditioning agent, between about 0.35 wt. % and about 0.45 wt. % acidsource, between about 0 and 4 wt. % solvent and between about 20 wt. %and about 40 wt. % water. In other embodiments, similar intermediateconcentrations and use concentrations may also be present in thecleaning compositions of the invention.

In one embodiment, the cleaning compositions of the present inventionare substantially free of APEs, making the detergent composition moreenvironmentally acceptable. APE-free refers to a composition, mixture,or ingredients to which APEs are not added. Should APEs be presentthrough contamination of an APE-free composition, mixture, oringredient, the level of APEs in the resulting composition is less thanapproximately 0.5 wt. %, less than approximately 0.1 wt %, and oftenless than approximately 0.01 wt. %.

Additional Functional Materials

The cleaning compositions can include additional components or agents,such as additional functional materials. As such, in some embodiments,the cleaning composition including the quaternary functionalized alkylpolyglucoside may provide a large amount, or even all of the totalweight of the cleaning composition, for example, in embodiments havingfew or no additional functional materials disposed therein. Thefunctional materials provide desired properties and functionalities tothe cleaning composition. For the purpose of this application, the term“functional materials” include a material that when dispersed ordissolved in a use and/or concentrate solution, such as an aqueoussolution, provides a beneficial property in a particular use. Thecleaning preparations containing the quaternary functionalized alkylpolyglucoside and may optionally contain other soil-digestingcomponents, surfactants, disinfectants, sanitizers, acidulants,complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, foam inhibitors, dyes,thickening or gelling agents, and perfumes, as described, for example,in U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,983, incorporated herein by reference. Someparticular examples of functional materials are discussed in more detailbelow, but it should be understood by those of skill in the art andothers that the particular materials discussed are given by way ofexample only, and that a broad variety of other functional materials maybe used. For example, many of the functional materials discussed belowrelate to materials used in cleaning and/or destaining applications, butit should be understood that other embodiments may include functionalmaterials for use in other applications.

Surfactants

The cleaning composition can contain an additional anionic surfactantcomponent that includes a detersive amount of an anionic surfactant or amixture of anionic surfactants. Anionic surfactants are desirable incleaning compositions because of their wetting and detersive properties.The anionic surfactants that can be used according to the inventioninclude any anionic surfactant available in the cleaning industry.Suitable groups of anionic surfactants include sulfonates and sulfates.Suitable surfactants that can be provided in the anionic surfactantcomponent include alkyl aryl sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates,alkyl methyl ester sulfonates, alpha olefin sulfonates, alkyl ethersulfates, alkyl sulfates, and alcohol sulfates.

Suitable alkyl aryl sulfonates that can be used in the cleaningcomposition can have an alkyl group that contains 6 to 24 carbon atomsand the aryl group can be at least one of benzene, toluene, and xylene.A suitable alkyl aryl sulfonate includes linear alkyl benzene sulfonate.A suitable linear alkyl benzene sulfonate includes linear dodecyl benzylsulfonate that can be provided as an acid that is neutralized to formthe sulfonate. Additional suitable alkyl aryl sulfonates include xylenesulfonate and cumene sulfonate.

Suitable alkane sulfonates that can be used in the cleaning compositioncan have an alkane group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms. Suitable alkanesulfonates that can be used include secondary alkane sulfonates. Asuitable secondary alkane sulfonate includes sodium C₁₄-C₁₇ secondaryalkyl sulfonate commercially available as Hostapur SAS from Clariant.

Suitable alkyl methyl ester sulfonates that can be used in the cleaningcomposition include those having an alkyl group containing 6 to 24carbon atoms. Suitable alpha olefin sulfonates that can be used in thecleaning composition include those having alpha olefin groups containing6 to 24 carbon atoms.

Suitable alkyl ether sulfates that can be used in the cleaningcomposition include those having between about 1 and about 10 repeatingalkoxy groups, between about 1 and about 5 repeating alkoxy groups. Ingeneral, the alkoxy group will contain between about 2 and about 4carbon atoms. A suitable alkoxy group is ethoxy. A suitable alkyl ethersulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate and is available under the nameSteol CS-460.

Suitable alkyl sulfates that can be used in the cleaning compositioninclude those having an alkyl group containing 6 to 24 carbon atoms.Suitable alkyl sulfates include, but are not limited to, sodium laurylsulfate and sodium lauryl/myristyl sulfate.

Suitable alcohol sulfates that can be used in the cleaning compositioninclude those having an alcohol group containing about 6 to about 24carbon atoms.

The anionic surfactant can be neutralized with an alkaline metal salt,an amine, or a mixture thereof. Suitable alkaline metal salts includesodium, potassium, and magnesium. Suitable amines includemonoethanolamine, triethanolamine, and monoisopropanolamine. If amixture of salts is used, a suitable mixture of alkaline metal salt canbe sodium and magnesium, and the molar ratio of sodium to magnesium canbe between about 3:1 and about 1:1.

The cleaning composition, when provided as a concentrate, can includethe additional anionic surfactant component in an amount sufficient toprovide a use composition having desired wetting and detersiveproperties after dilution with water. The concentrate can contain about0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, about1.0 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 10wt. % to about 20 wt. %, 30 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about 25 wt. %,and about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, and similar intermediateconcentrations of the anionic surfactant.

The cleaning composition can contain a nonionic surfactant componentthat includes a detersive amount of nonionic surfactant or a mixture ofnonionic surfactants.

Nonionic surfactants can be included in the cleaning composition toenhance grease removal properties. Although the surfactant component caninclude a nonionic surfactant component, it should be understood thatthe nonionic surfactant component can be excluded from the detergentcomposition.

Nonionic surfactants that can be used in the composition includepolyalkylene oxide surfactants (also known as polyoxyalkylenesurfactants or polyalkylene glycol surfactants). Suitable polyalkyleneoxide surfactants include polyoxypropylene surfactants andpolyoxyethylene glycol surfactants. Suitable surfactants of this typeare synthetic organic polyoxypropylene (PO)-polyoxyethylene (EO) blockcopolymers. These surfactants include a di-block polymer comprising anEO block and a PO block, a center block of polyoxypropylene units (PO),and having blocks of polyoxyethylene grafted onto the polyoxypropyleneunit or a center block of EO with attached PO blocks. Further, thissurfactant can have further blocks of either polyoxyethylene orpolyoxypropylene in the molecules. A suitable average molecular weightrange of useful surfactants can be about 1,000 to about 40,000 and theweight percent content of ethylene oxide can be about 10-80 wt %.

Additional nonionic surfactants include alcohol alkoxylates. A suitablealcohol alkoxylate including linear alcohol ethoxylates such as Tomador™1-5 which is a surfactant containing an alkyl group having 11 carbonatoms and 5 moles of ethylene oxide. Additional alcohol alkoxylatesinclude alkylphenol ethoxylates, branched alcohol ethoxylates, secondaryalcohol ethoxylates (e.g., Tergitol 15-S-7 from Dow Chemical), castoroil ethoxylates, alkylamine ethoxylates, tallow amine ethoxylates, fattyacid ethoxylates, sorbital oleate ethoxylates, end-capped ethoxylates,or mixtures thereof. Additional nonionic surfactants include amides suchas fatty alkanolamides, alkyldiethanolamides, coconut diethanolamide,lauric diethanolamide, polyethylene glycol cocoamide (e.g., PEG-6cocoamide), oleic diethanolamide, or mixtures thereof. Additionalsuitable nonionic surfactants include polyalkoxylated aliphatic base,polyalkoxylated amide, glycol esters, glycerol esters, amine oxides,phosphate esters, alcohol phosphate, fatty triglycerides, fattytriglyceride esters, alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl esters, alkyl phenolethoxylate phosphate esters, alkyl polysaccharides, block copolymers,alkyl polyglucosides, or mixtures thereof.

When nonionic surfactants are included in the detergent compositionconcentrate, they can be included in an amount of at least about 0.1 wt.% and can be included in an amount of up to about 15 wt. %. Theconcentrate can include about 0.1 to 1.0 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to about12 wt. % or about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the nonionic surfactant.

Amphoteric surfactants can also be used to provide desired detersiveproperties. Suitable amphoteric surfactants that can be used include,but are not limited to: betaines, imidazolines, and propionates.Suitable amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to:sultaines, amphopropionates, amphodipropionates, aminopropionates,aminodipropionates, amphoacetates, amphodiacetates, andamphohydroxypropylsulfonates.

When the detergent composition includes an amphoteric surfactant, theamphoteric surfactant can be included in an amount of about 0.1 wt % toabout 15 wt %. The concentrate can include about 0.1 wt % to about 1.0wt %, 0.5 wt % to about 12 wt % or about 2 wt % to about 10 wt % of theamphoteric surfactant.

The cleaning composition can contain a cationic co-surfactant componentthat includes a detersive amount of cationic surfactant or a mixture ofcationic surfactants. Cationic co-surfactants that can be used in thecleaning composition include, but are not limited to: amines such asprimary, secondary and tertiary monoamines with C₁₈ alkyl or alkenylchains, ethoxylated alkylamines, alkoxylates of ethylenediamine,imidazoles such as a 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazoline, a2-alkyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazoline, and the like; and quaternaryammonium salts, as for example, alkylquaternary ammonium chloridesurfactants such as n-alkyl(C₁₂-C₁₈)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride,n-tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride monohydrate, and anaphthylene-substituted quaternary ammonium chloride such asdimethyl-1-naphthylmethylammonium chloride.

Thickening Agents

The viscosity of the cleaning composition increases with the amount ofthickening agent, and viscous compositions are useful for uses where thecleaning composition clings to the surface. Suitable thickeners caninclude those which do not leave contaminating residue on the surface tobe treated. Generally, thickeners which may be used in the presentinvention include natural gums such as xanthan gum, guar gum, modifiedguar, or other gums from plant mucilage; polysaccharide basedthickeners, such as alginates, starches, and cellulosic polymers (e.g.,carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and the like);polyacrylates thickeners; and hydrocolloid thickeners, such as pectin.Generally, the concentration of thickener employed in the presentcompositions or methods will be dictated by the desired viscosity withinthe final composition. However, as a general guideline, the viscosity ofthickener within the present composition ranges from about 0.1 wt. % toabout 3 wt. %, from about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, or about 0.1 wt. %to about 0.5 wt. %.

Bleaching Agents

The cleaning composition may also include bleaching agents forlightening or whitening a substrate. Examples of suitable bleachingagents include bleaching compounds capable of liberating an activehalogen species, such as C₁₂, Br₂, —OCl⁻ and/or —OBr⁻, under conditionstypically encountered during the cleansing process. Suitable bleachingagents for use in the present cleaning compositions include, forexample, chlorine-containing compounds such as a chlorine, ahypochlorite, and chloramine. Exemplary halogen-releasing compoundsinclude the alkali metal dichloroisocyanurates, chlorinated trisodiumphosphate, the alkali metal hypochlorites, monochloramine anddichloramine, and the like. Encapsulated chlorine sources may also beused to enhance the stability of the chlorine source in the composition(see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,618,914 and 4,830,773, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes). A bleaching agent may also be a peroxygen or active oxygensource such as hydrogen peroxide, perborates, sodium carbonateperoxyhydrate, phosphate peroxyhydrates, potassium permonosulfate, andsodium perborate mono and tetrahydrate, with and without activators suchas tetraacetylethylene diamine, and the like. The composition caninclude an effective amount of a bleaching agent. When the concentrateincludes a bleaching agent, it can be included in an amount of about 0.1wt. % to about 60 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, about 3 wt. %to about 8 wt. %, and about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %.

Detergent Fillers

The cleaning composition can include an effective amount of detergentfillers, which does not perform as a cleaning agent per se, butcooperates with the cleaning agent to enhance the overall cleaningcapacity of the composition. Examples of detergent fillers suitable foruse in the present cleaning compositions include sodium sulfate, sodiumchloride, starch, sugars, C₁-C₁₀ alkylene glycols such as propyleneglycol, and the like. When the concentrate includes a detergent filler,it can be included in an amount of between about 1 wt % and about 20 wt% and between about 3 wt % and about 15 wt %.

Defoaming Agents

The cleaning composition can include a defoaming agent to reduce thestability of foam and reduce foaming. When the concentrate includes adefoaming agent, the defoaming agent can be provided in an amount ofbetween about 0.01 wt. % and about 3 wt. %.

Examples of defoaming agents that can be used in the compositionincludes ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers such as thoseavailable under the name Pluronic N3, silicone compounds such as silicadispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, andfunctionalized polydimethylsiloxane such as those available under thename Abil B9952, fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, fatty acids, fattyesters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, ethoxylates, mineral oils,polyethylene glycol esters, alkyl phosphate esters such as monostearylphosphate, and the like. A discussion of defoaming agents may be found,for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,548 to Martin et al., U.S. Pat. No.3,334,147 to Brunelle et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 3,442,242 to Rue et al.,the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes.

Antiredeposition Agents

The cleaning composition can include an anti-redeposition agent forfacilitating sustained suspension of soils in a cleaning solution andpreventing the removed soils from being redeposited onto the substratebeing cleaned. Examples of suitable anti-redeposition agents includefatty acid amides, fluorocarbon surfactants, complex phosphate esters,styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, and cellulosic derivatives such ashydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and the like. When theconcentrate includes an anti-redeposition agent, the anti-redepositionagent can be included in an amount of between about 0.5 wt % and about10 wt % and between about 1 wt % and about 5 wt %.

Stabilizing Agents

Stabilizing agents that can be used in the cleaning composition include,but are not limited to: primary aliphatic amines, betaines, borate,calcium ions, sodium citrate, citric acid, sodium formate, glycerine,malonic acid, organic diacids, polyols, propylene glycol, and mixturesthereof. The concentrate need not include a stabilizing agent, but whenthe concentrate includes a stabilizing agent, it can be included in anamount that provides the desired level of stability of the concentrate.Exemplary ranges of the stabilizing agent include up to about 20 wt %,between about 0.5 wt. % to about 15 wt. % and between about 2 wt. % toabout 10 wt. %.

Dispersants

Dispersants that can be used in the cleaning composition include maleicacid/olefin copolymers, polyacrylic acid, and its copolymers, andmixtures thereof. The concentrate need not include a dispersant, butwhen a dispersant is included it can be included in an amount thatprovides the desired dispersant properties. Exemplary ranges of thedispersant in the concentrate can be up to about 20 wt. %, between about0.5 wt. % and about 15 wt. %, and between about 2 wt. % and about 9 wt.%.

Hydrotropes

The compositions of the invention may optionally include a hydrotropethat aides in compositional stability and aqueous formulation.Functionally speaking, the suitable hydrotrope couplers which can beemployed are non-toxic and retain the active ingredients in aqueoussolution throughout the temperature range and concentration to which aconcentrate or any use solution is exposed.

Any hydrotrope coupler may be used provided it does not react with theother components of the composition or negatively affect the performanceproperties of the composition. Representative classes of hydrotropiccoupling agents or solubilizers which can be employed include anionicsurfactants such as alkyl sulfates and alkane sulfonates, linear alkylbenzene or naphthalene sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates, alkylether sulfates or sulfonates, alkyl phosphates or phosphonates, dialkylsulfosuccinic acid esters, sugar esters (e.g., sorbitan esters), amineoxides (mono-, di-, or tri-alkyl) and C₈-C₁₀ alkyl glucosides. Preferredcoupling agents for use in the present invention includen-octanesulfonate, available as NAS 8D from Ecolab Inc., n-octyldimethylamine oxide, and the commonly available aromatic sulfonates suchas the alkyl benzene sulfonates (e.g. xylene sulfonates) or naphthalenesulfonates, aryl or alkaryl phosphate esters or their alkoxylatedanalogues having 1 to about 40 ethylene, propylene or butylene oxideunits or mixtures thereof. Other preferred hydrotropes include nonionicsurfactants of C₆-C₂₄ alcohol alkoxylates (alkoxylate means ethoxylates,propoxylates, butoxylates, and co-or-terpolymer mixtures thereof)(preferably C₆-C₁₄ alcohol alkoxylates) having 1 to about 15 alkyleneoxide groups (preferably about 4 to about 10 alkylene oxide groups);C₆-C₂₄ alkylphenol alkoxylates (preferably C₈-C₁₀ alkylphenolalkoxylates) having 1 to about 15 alkylene oxide groups (preferablyabout 4 to about 10 alkylene oxide groups); C₆-C₂₄ alkylpolyglycosides(preferably C₆-C₂₀ alkylpolyglycosides) having 1 to about 15 glycosidegroups (preferably about 4 to about 10 glycoside groups); C₆-C₂₄ fattyacid ester ethoxylates, propoxylates or glycerides; and C₄-C₁₂ mono ordialkanolamides. A preferred hydrotope is sodium xylenesulfonate (SXS).

The composition of an optional hydrotrope can be present in the range offrom about 0 to about 25 percent by weight.

Dyes and Fragrances

Various dyes, odorants including perfumes, and other aesthetic enhancingagents may also be included in the cleaning composition. Dyes may beincluded to alter the appearance of the composition, as for example, anyof a variety of FD&C dyes, D&C dyes, and the like. Additional suitabledyes include Direct Blue 86 (Miles), Fastusol Blue (Mobay ChemicalCorp.), Acid Orange 7 (American Cyanamid), Basic Violet 10 (Sandoz),Acid Yellow 23 (GAF), Acid Yellow 17 (Sigma Chemical), Sap Green(Keystone Aniline and Chemical), Metanil Yellow (Keystone Aniline andChemical), Acid Blue 9 (Hilton Davis), Sandolan Blue/Acid Blue 182(Sandoz), Hisol Fast Red (Capitol Color and Chemical), Fluorescein(Capitol Color and Chemical), Acid Green 25 (BASF), Pylakor Acid BrightRed (Pylam), and the like.

Fragrances or perfumes that may be included in the compositions include,for example, terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as amylcinnamaldehyde, a jasmine such as C1S-jasmine or jasmal, vanillin, andthe like.

Adjuvants

The present composition can also include any number of adjuvants.Specifically, the cleaning composition can include stabilizing agents,wetting agents, thickeners, foaming agents, corrosion inhibitors,biocides, hydrogen peroxide, pigments or dyes among any number of otherconstituents which can be added to the composition. Such adjuvants canbe pre-formulated with the present composition or added to the systemsimultaneously, or even after, the addition of the present composition.The cleaning composition can also contain any number of otherconstituents as necessitated by the application, which are known andwhich can facilitate the activity of the present compositions.

Embodiments of the Present Compositions

The cleaning composition of the present invention is effective atremoving soils containing proteins, lard and oils. In one embodiment,the cleaning composition is effective at removing soils containing up toabout 20% protein. Several suitable exemplary liquid concentratecompositions are provided in the following tables.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Composition #1 (18% actives at 1:1 replacement of NPE)First Range Second Range Third Range Component (Wt %) (Wt %) (Wt %)Water  5-60 10-50 15-40 Phosphoric Acid  0.1-0.55 0.3-0.5 0.35-0.45(75%) Isopropanol (99%) 0-5 1-4 2-4 SXS hydrotrope  0-25  1-20  5-15Quaternary 40-80 45-75 50-70 Functionalized Alkyl Polyglucoside (30%)EDTA (40%) 4-8 5-7 5.5-6.5

TABLE 2 Exemplary Composition #2 (13.5% actives at 0.75:1 replacement ofNPE) First Range Second Range Third Range Component (Wt %) (Wt %) (Wt %)Water 25-75 30-65 35-55 Phosphoric Acid  0.1-0.55 0.3-0.5 0.35-0.45(75%) Isopropanol (99%) 0-5 1-4 2-4 SXS hydrotrope  0-25  1-20  5-15Quaternary 25-65 30-60 35-55 Functionalized Alkyl Polyglucoside (30%)EDTA (40%) 4-8 5-7 5.5-6.5

TABLE 3 Exemplary Composition #3 (9.0% actives at 0.5:1 replacement ofNPE) First Range Second Range Third Range Component (Wt %) (Wt %) (Wt %)Water 30-90 40-80 50-70 Phosphoric Acid  0.1-0.55 0.3-0.5 0.35-0.45(75%) Isopropanol (99%) 0-5 1-4 2-4 Quaternary 10-60 15-50 20-40Functionalized Alkyl Polyglucoside (30%) EDTA (40%) 4-8 5-7 5.5-6.5

TABLE 4 Exemplary Composition #4 (4.5% actives at 0.25:1 replacement ofNPE) First Range Second Range Third Range Component (Wt %) (Wt %) (Wt %)Water 40-95 50-90 55-85 Phosphoric Acid  0.1-0.55 0.3-0.5 0.35-0.45(75%) Isopropanol (99%) 0-5 1-4 2-4 Quaternary  5-45 7.5-35  10-25Functionalized Alkyl Polyglucoside (30%) EDTA (40%) 4-8 5-7 5.5-6.5

The concentrate composition of the present invention can be provided asa solid, liquid, or gel, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment,the cleaning compositions may be provided as a concentrate such that thecleaning composition is substantially free of any added water or theconcentrate may contain a nominal amount of water. The concentrate canbe formulated without any water or can be provided with a relativelysmall amount of water in order to reduce the expense of transporting theconcentrate. For example, the composition concentrate can be provided asa capsule or pellet of compressed powder, a solid, or loose powder,either contained by a water soluble material or not. In the case ofproviding the capsule or pellet of the composition in a material, thecapsule or pellet can be introduced into a volume of water, and ifpresent the water soluble material can solubilize, degrade, or disperseto allow contact of the composition concentrate with the water. For thepurposes of this disclosure, the terms “capsule” and “pellet” are usedfor exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the delivery modeof the invention to a particular shape.

When provided as a liquid concentrate composition, the concentrate canbe diluted through dispensing equipment using aspirators, peristalticpumps, gear pumps, mass flow meters, and the like. This liquidconcentrate embodiment can also be delivered in bottles, jars, dosingbottles, bottles with dosing caps, and the like. The liquid concentratecomposition can be filled into a multi-chambered cartridge insert thatis then placed in a spray bottle or other delivery device filled with apre-measured amount of water.

In yet another embodiment, the concentrate composition can be providedin a solid form that resists crumbling or other degradation until placedinto a container. Such container may either be filled with water beforeplacing the composition concentrate into the container, or it may befilled with water after the composition concentrate is placed into thecontainer. In either case, the solid concentrate composition dissolves,solubilizes, or otherwise disintegrates upon contact with water. In aparticular embodiment, the solid concentrate composition dissolvesrapidly thereby allowing the concentrate composition to become a usecomposition and further allowing the end user to apply the usecomposition to a surface in need of cleaning. When the cleaningcomposition is provided as a solid, the compositions provided herein maybe altered in a manner to solidify the cleaning composition by any meansknown in the art. For example, the amount of water may be reduced oradditional ingredients may be added to the cleaning composition, such asa solidification agent.

In another embodiment, the solid concentrate composition can be dilutedthrough dispensing equipment whereby water is sprayed at the solid blockforming the use solution. The water flow is delivered at a relativelyconstant rate using mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic controls andthe like. The solid concentrate composition can also be diluted throughdispensing equipment whereby water flows around the solid block,creating a use solution as the solid concentrate dissolves. The solidconcentrate composition can also be diluted through pellet, tablet,powder and paste dispensers, and the like.

The water used to dilute the concentrate (water of dilution) can beavailable at the locale or site of dilution. The water of dilution maycontain varying levels of hardness depending upon the locale. Servicewater available from various municipalities have varying levels ofhardness. It is desirable to provide a concentrate that can handle thehardness levels found in the service water of various municipalities.The water of dilution that is used to dilute the concentrate can becharacterized as hard water when it includes at least 1 grain hardness.It is expected that the water of dilution can include at least 5 grainshardness, at least 10 grains hardness, or at least 20 grains hardness.

It is expected that the concentrate will be diluted with the water ofdilution in order to provide a use solution having a desired level ofdetersive properties. If the use solution is required to remove tough orheavy soils, it is expected that the concentrate can be diluted with thewater of dilution at a weight ratio of at least 1:1 and up to 1:8. If alight duty cleaning use solution is desired, it is expected that theconcentrate can be diluted at a weight ratio of concentrate to water ofdilution of up to about 1:256.

In an alternate embodiment, the cleaning compositions may be provided asa ready-to-use (RTU) composition. If the cleaning composition isprovided as a RTU composition, a more significant amount of water isadded to the cleaning composition as a diluent. When the concentrate isprovided as a liquid, it may be desirable to provide it in a flowableform so that it can be pumped or aspirated. It has been found that it isgenerally difficult to accurately pump a small amount of a liquid. It isgenerally more effective to pump a larger amount of a liquid.Accordingly, although it is desirable to provide the concentrate with aslittle water as possible in order to reduce transportation costs, it isalso desirable to provide a concentrate that can be dispensedaccurately. In the case of a liquid concentrate, it is expected thatwater will be present in an amount of up to about 90 wt. %, particularlybetween about 20 wt. % and about 85 wt. %, more particularly betweenabout 30 wt. % and about 80 wt. % and most particularly between about 50wt. % and about 80 wt. %.

In the case of a RTU composition, it should be noted that theabove-disclosed cleaning composition may, if desired, be further dilutedwith up to about 96 wt. % water, based on the weight of the cleaningcomposition.

Compositions of the invention may be useful to clean a variety ofsurfaces. Invention compositions may be used to clean soils on hardsurfaces including but not limited to ceramics, ceramic tile, grout,granite, concrete, mirrors, enameled surfaces, metals includingaluminum, brass, stainless steel and the like. Compositions of theinvention may also be used to clean soiled linens such as towels,sheets, and nonwoven webs. As such, compositions of the invention areuseful to formulate hard surface cleaners, laundry detergents, ovencleaners, hand soaps, automotive detergents, and ware washing detergentswhether automatic or manual.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is more particularly described in the followingexamples that are intended as illustrations only, since numerousmodifications and variations within the scope of the present inventionwill be apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise noted,all parts, percentages, and ratios reported in the following examplesare on a weight basis, and all reagents used in the examples wereobtained, or are available, from the chemical suppliers described below,or may be synthesized by conventional techniques.

Materials Used

Suga® Quat S 1218: (Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl LaurylglucosidesChloride) a primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosidewith a degree of polymerization from 1-2 available from ColonialChemical, Inc., located in South Pittsburgh, Tenn.

Suga® Quat S 1210: (Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl LaurylglucosidesChloride) a primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosidewith a degree of polymerization from 1-2 available from ColonialChemical, Inc., located in South Pittsburgh, Tenn.

Suga® Quat L 8610: (Lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride)a C₈ to C₁₆ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with a degreeof polymerization from 1-2 available from Colonial Chemical, Inc.,located in South Pittsburgh, Tenn.

Super Excellent: a cleaner containing NPE available from Ecolab Inc.,Saint Paul, Minn.

A C₁₀ nonfunctionalized alkyl polyglucoside test compound.

Red Soil Removal Test

A red soil consisting of lard, oil, protein, and iron (III) oxide (forcolor) was prepared. About 30 grams of lard was combined with about 30grams of corn oil, about 15 grams of whole powdered egg, and about 1.5grams of Fe₂O₃.

The back, grooved sides of a plurality of 3″×3″ white vinyl tiles weresoiled with approximately 0.75 grams of the red soil using a 3″ foambrush. The tiles were allowed to dry at room temperature overnight. Itis believed that this incubation period allowed the bonds holding thetriglycerides and proteins together in the soil to begin to crystallizeand interlink. The next day, the tiles were placed into a soaking traycontaining about 200 grams of a test composition for about 1 minute.

The soil removal test was conducted using a Precision Force Applicator(PFA), available from Precision Analytical Instruments, Inc., using asynthetic sponge. The PFA is similar to the Gardner StraightlineApparatus except that it is interfaced with a computer to controlvarious parameters, such as, for example speed, number of repetitions,time between cycles, etc. The synthetic sponge was pre-dampened withwater with the excess water squeezed out and then saturated with about50 grams of the test compositions. The tiles were then placed into thePFA with the grain of the tiles parallel to the direction of spongetravel. The tiles were scrubbed with about 2 pounds of pressure with themoistened synthetic sponge for 16 cycles, rotating the tiles 90 degreesevery 4 cycles for a complete 360 degree rotation of the tiles. Thetiles were then rinsed with city water and dried overnight at roomtemperature. Hunter Lab L* reflectance of the soiled tiles and washedtiles were measured. The soiled tiles L* reflectance value isrepresented by the following equation:

${{soiled}\mspace{14mu} L^{\prime*}} = \frac{1}{3.38{\ln \left( \frac{92.1 - 24.74}{{{soiled}\mspace{14mu} L^{*}} - 24.74} \right)}}$

where 3.38, 92.1, and 24.74 are constants. The washed tiles L*reflectance value is represented by the following equation:

${{washed}\mspace{14mu} L^{\prime*}} = \frac{1}{3.38{\ln \left( \frac{92.1 - 24.74}{{{washed}\mspace{14mu} L^{*}} - 24.74} \right)}}$

The percent soil removal was then calculated as:

${{percent}\mspace{14mu} {soil}\mspace{14mu} {removal}} = {\left( \frac{{{soiled}\mspace{14mu} L^{\prime*}} - {{washed}\mspace{14mu} L^{\prime*}}}{{soiled}\mspace{14mu} L^{\prime*}} \right)*100}$

The compositions were evaluated based on two standards. First, thecompositions were evaluated to determine whether an acceptable amount ofred soil was removed at low concentrations (i.e., 4 oz/gallon),intermediate concentrations (i.e., 8 oz/gallon) and high concentrations(i.e., 16 oz/gallon). At 18% actives, a composition was considered toperform at an acceptable level if it removed at least about 71% red soilat low concentrations, at least about 79% red soil at intermediateconcentrations and at least about 86% red soil at high concentrations.

If the composition removed an acceptable amount of red soil at allconcentrations, the compositions were then evaluated to determinewhether they performed substantially similarly to, and could act as asuitable replacement for, a commercially known cleaner. Two compositionswere considered to behave substantially similarly if the amount of redsoil removed was within about 10% at low and high concentrations andwithin about 15% at intermediate concentrations.

Representative Compositions 1-9, Verses Control

To test the ability of compositions of the present invention andcomparative compositions to remove red soil from a surface according tothe method described above, various compositions were formulated at 4, 8and 16 ounce per gallon concentrations at 18%, 13.5%, and 9.0% actives.Each composition was either a 1:1, 0.75:1, 0.5:1, or 0.25:1 replacementof NPE with a quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside.

Representative Composition 1 is a composition of the present inventionincluding Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride, aprimarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2. In particular, the compositionincluded Suga® Quat S 1210 at 18% actives.

Representative Composition 2 is a composition of the present inventionincluding Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride, aprimarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2 chloride. In particular, thecomposition included Suga® Quat S 1210 at 13.5% actives.

Representative Composition 3 is a composition of the present inventionincluding a: Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride, aprimarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2. In particular, the compositionincluded Suga® Quat S 1218 at 9% actives.

Representative Composition 4 is a composition of the present inventionincluding a: Lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride a C₈ toC₁₆ (primarily C₁₂) quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2. In particular, the compositionincluded Suga® Quat L 8610 at 18% actives.

Representative Composition 5 is a composition of the present inventionincluding a: Lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride a C₈ toC₁₆ (primarily C₁₂) quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2. In particular, the compositionincluded Suga® Quat L 8610 at 13.5% actives.

Representative Composition 6 is a composition of the present inventionincluding a: Lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride a C₈ toC₁₆ (primarily C₁₂) quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2. In particular, the compositionincluded Suga® Quat L 8610 at 9% actives.

Representative Composition 7 is a composition of the present inventionincluding a: Lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride a C₈ toC₁₆ (primarily C₁₂) quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2. In particular, the compositionincluded Suga® Quat L 8610 at 4.5% actives.

Comparative Example 1 was a composition prepared within the componentranges of the invention, except with C₁₀ nonfunctionalized alkylpolyglucoside.

Comparative Example 2 is a composition of the present inventionincluding a: Lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride a C₈ toC₁₆ (primarily C₁₂) quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside with adegree of polymerization from 1-2. In particular, the compositionincluded Suga® Quat L 8610 at 1.8% actives.

The composition of the control included a commercially known hardsurface cleaner, Super Excellent with NPE as a surfactant.

Table 5 provides the concentration and percent of red soil removal forRepresentative Compositions 1-3 with Suga® Quat S 1210 at 18%, and 13.5%and Suga® Quat S 1218 at 9% actives with Comparative Example 1 anon-functionalized C₁₀ alkyl polyglucoside and with the control SuperExcellent. The results are depicted graphically in FIG. 1.

TABLE 5 Concentration Red Soil Ratio (oz/gal) Removal (%) Representative1:1 4 91.92 Composition 1 8 93.56 Suga ® Quat S 1210 16 92.84 (18%actives) Representative 0.75:1   4 88.01 Composition 2 8 92.31 Suga ®Quat S 1210 16 93.28 (13.5% actives) Representative 0.5:1   4 85.52Composition 3 8 91.21 Suga ® Quat S 1218 16 91.98 (9.0% actives)Comparative 1:1 4 68.44 Example 1 8 70.88 C10 alkyl 16 72.02polyglucoside Control 4 71.00 Super Excellent 8 79.00 (NPE 9.5) 16 86.00

Table 6 provides the concentration and percent of red soil removal forRepresentative Examples 4-7 with Suga® Quat L 8610 at 18%, 13.5%, 9%,4.5%, and Comparative Example 2 at 1.8% actives with the control SuperExcellent. The results are depicted graphically in FIG. 2.

TABLE 6 Concentration Red Soil Ratio (oz/gal) Removal (%) Representative1:1 4 86.63 Composition 4 8 90.27 Suga ® Quat L 8610 16 91.30 (18%actives) Representative 0.75:1   4 88.74 Composition 5 8 91.99 Suga ®Quat L 8610 16 90.20 (13.5% actives) Representative 0.5:1   4 78.71Composition 6 8 90.29 Suga ® Quat L 8610 16 91.04 (9.0% actives)Representative 0.25:1   4 78.50 Composition 7 8 85.85 Suga ® Quat L 861016 93.65 (4.5% actives) Comparative 1:1 4 73.81 Example 2 8 74.43 Suga ®Quat L 8610 16 86.08 (1.8% actives) Control 4 71.00 Super Excellent 879.00 (NPE 9.5) 16 86.00

Table 5 and FIG. 1 show that Representative Compositions 1-3, whichinclude a primarily C₁₂ lauryl or stearyl quaternary functionalizedalkyl polyglucoside (Suga® Quat S 1210, and Suga® Quat S 1218), removedred soil at levels that were superior to NPE at 18%, 13.5%, and even 9%actives. This superior soil removal is even more evident when comparedto the closely related non-functionalized Cm alkyl polyglucoside whichremoved soil at levels that were inferior to NPE.

Table 6 and FIG. 2 show that Suga Quat L 8610 also demonstrated superiorred soil removal to the control, even at 4.5% actives. At the 1.8%actives the formula still showed soil removal that was similar to NPE.When a Cm quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside was used theformula was hazy, with a white precipitate and could not be tested.Surprisingly, the closely related alkyl polyglucoside, (only one carbondifference) a primarily C₁₂ carbon chain length was clear, and thustestable and gave superior cleaning results as demonstrated herein.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer toparticular features, the scope of this invention also includesembodiments having different combinations of features and embodimentsthat do not include all of the above described features.

What is claimed:
 1. A cleaning composition comprising: (a) a primarilyC₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside selected from thegroup consisting of: stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosideschloride and lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosides chloride; (b) awater conditioning agent; and (c) water.
 2. The composition of claim 1wherein said cleaning composition comprises less than about 0.5% byweight alkyl phenol ethoxylates.
 3. The cleaning composition of claim 2,wherein the cleaning composition comprises less than about 0.1% byweight alkyl phenol ethoxylates.
 4. The cleaning composition of claim 1,wherein the primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosideconstitutes between about 40% and about 80% by weight of the cleaningcomposition at 18% actives.
 5. The cleaning composition of claim 1,wherein the water conditioning agent constitutes between about 4% andabout 8% by weight of the cleaning composition.
 6. The cleaningcomposition of claim 1, wherein the water constitutes between about 5%and about 60% by weight of the cleaning composition.
 7. The cleaningcomposition of claim 1, further comprising an acid source constitutingbetween about 0.1% and about 0.55% by weight of the cleaningcomposition.
 8. The cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the waterconditioning agent comprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodiumsalt.
 9. The cleaning composition of claim 1, further comprising ahydrotrope.
 10. A hard surface cleaner comprising: a primarily C₁₂quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside selected from the groupconsisting of: stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides chlorideand lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosides chloride; wherein thehard surface cleaner is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates.11. The hard surface cleaner of claim 10, wherein the primarily C₁₂quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside has a degree ofpolymerization of from about 1 to
 2. 12. The hard surface cleaner ofclaim 10, wherein the primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkylpolyglucoside component is derived from one or more of the following:corn and/or coconut.
 13. The hard surface cleaner of claim 10, whereinthe primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosidecomponent constitutes between about 40% and about 80% by weight of thehard surface cleaner at 18% actives.
 14. The hard surface cleaner ofclaim 13 wherein the primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkylpolyglucoside component constitutes between about 45% and about 75% byweight of the hard surface cleaner.
 15. The hard surface cleaner ofclaim 14 wherein the primarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkylpolyglucoside component constitutes between about 50% and about 70% byweight of the hard surface cleaner.
 16. A method of removing soils froma surface, the method comprising: (a) diluting a cleaner with water ofdilution to form a use solution, wherein the cleaner comprises: aprimarily C₁₂ quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside selectedfrom the group consisting of: stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyllaurylglucosides chloride and lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosideschloride, a water conditioning agent and water; and (b) contacting thesurface with the use solution; (c) wherein the soil includes up to about20% proteins.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein diluting the cleanerwith water of dilution comprises diluting at weight ratio of cleaner towater of dilution of up to about 1:256.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein the cleaner comprises less than about 0.5% by weight alkylphenol ethoxylates.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the cleanercomprises less than about 0.1% by weight alkyl phenol ethoxylates. 20.The method of claim 20, wherein the cleaner has a pH of between about6.5 and about 10.